Nepal's Security Under Scrutiny: Ex-PM Oli Demands Answers on Singh Durbar Fire

A recent inferno at Nepal's revered government secretariat, Singh Durbar, has ignited a fierce national debate on security protocols, with former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli leading the charge. Oli, a prominent and vocal political figure, has publicly challenged the Nepal Army, questioning its apparent inability to safeguard such a critical national institution during the blaze that engulfed the Chief Minister's office of Koshi Province, located within the sprawling administrative complex.

The incident, which saw flames tear through a vital part of the nation's administrative heart, has been described by Oli as far more than just a fire; he views it as a profound breach of national pride and a significant security lapse.

"How can it be that the Nepal Army, expressly tasked with protecting our most sensitive government buildings, failed to contain a fire within the very walls of Singh Durbar?" Oli queried during a parliamentary session, his words resonating with the concerns of many citizens across the nation.

Oli's pointed remarks underscore a deeper, more pervasive anxiety regarding the overall state of national security and the readiness of security forces to respond effectively to emergencies.

He vehemently emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of Singh Durbar, repeatedly calling it the "national pride" and the "nucleus of the government." For such a central, highly guarded, and symbolically potent complex to suffer such damage raises alarming and unavoidable questions about preparedness, rapid response, and ultimately, accountability.

The former Prime Minister did not mince words, driving home his criticism by suggesting that if the army could not adequately protect Singh Durbar from an accidental fire, what hope would there be in the event of a deliberate, malicious attack? This potent rhetorical question highlights the perceived vulnerability of key national assets and calls for an urgent, comprehensive re-evaluation of existing security protocols and emergency response mechanisms within the nation's capital.

This incident transcends mere physical damage; it strikes at the very core of public trust and confidence in the institutions mandated to uphold order, safety, and national integrity.

Oli's intervention serves as a powerful and much-needed call for transparency, immediate action, and a robust commitment from both the government and the military establishment to decisively address these critical lapses. The entire nation now watches closely, awaiting concrete answers and ironclad assurances that such a significant security failure will not, under any circumstances, be repeated.